Hi, I'm Jake, and this is Autoweek TV. It's a deadline Monday, so let's get going.

Toyota is starting a major redesign of its engine lineup. It will start with a new direct-injection engine next year and will add a turbocharged unit in 2014. It is also committed to building more continuously variable transmissions. Key parts of the plan include a 2.5-liter direct-injected Atkinson-cycle engine, then a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit, all while keeping up production of its gasoline hybrid motors. It's a tall order, but we have no doubt the Japanese giant can handle it.

Ford and GM transmissions will be gaining cogs in the next few years. GM is working on a nine-speed unit for its front-wheel-drive cars while Ford is building a 10-speed for its rear-wheel drive platforms. Neither of the transmissions will be ready before 2015. It's a joint effort by the two companies, who have signed a “memorandum of understanding” to develop new, fuel-efficient transmissions. In June 2011 Ford announced plans for an in-house eight-speed unit. We assume those plans are currently on hold.